Tightened enforcement measures for vaping at Changi Airport

Singapore, 177 people were found in possession of the forbidden devices during a four-day multi-agency operation in late December, according to Singaporean officials who launched a crackdown on e-vaporizer infractions at Changi Airport.

As stressed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a recent news release on Thursday (Jan 4), the collaborative effort aimed to intensify enforcement against e-vaporizers, preventing the entrenchment of vaping locally.

Out of all the violators, 61 people were fined for having vape pens, and the other 116 travelers were exempt since they voluntarily declared and disposed of their e-vaporizers. The actions were intentionally scheduled to coincide with the busiest travel seasons on December 20, December 23, December 27, and December 30.

HSA and ICA officers kept a tight eye on passengers arriving at Changi Airport throughout all four terminals. The ban on e-vaporizers in Singapore was emphasized by the strategic placement of digital screens and informative pull-up banners in busy places.

A reminder was sent out to arriving passengers of the strict procedures in place, stressing that they had to report their e-vaporizers to ICA officers and go through the Red Channel after collecting their luggage. When baggage scans revealed irregularities, more inspections were conducted, and any e-vaporizers found were promptly seized. Non-compliance was also immediately fined.

The strict enforcement went beyond Changi Airport; on December 21, during a separate enforcement activity, ICA officials seized 25 vapes and related components that were hidden beneath the driver's and passenger's seats of a car registered in Singapore. The HSA was then tasked with taking additional action regarding the subjects and the seized exhibits.

Singaporean officials have stated that, in the upcoming months, they will maintain and strengthen their efforts to prohibit vaping at all checkpoints—air, land, and sea. Beginning at Changi Airport, the increased security measures are part of a larger plan to stop e-vaporizers from entering the nation.

#GlobalNews #Singapore

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Source/Credits: channelnewsasia.com